Astrakhan scrub typhus: time course of infectious process according to electron microscopy findings.

Structural changes in the liver and spleen of albino mice with Astrakhan scrub typhus were studied by electron microscopy. Rickettsia invasion and formation of granulomas induced structural (destructive) and metabolic changes in hepatocytes. Rickettsia were degraded in cytophagosomes and cytolysophagosomes of hepatic macrophages (Kupffer cells) and blood capillary endotheliocytes. In the spleen rickettsia were seen in the extracellular spaces and in various cell populations.